How to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 24.04

Welcome, fellow Ubuntu enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of development tools as we explore how to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 24.04. Visual Studio Code, often referred to as VS Code, is a powerful, lightweight, and highly customizable source code editor developed by Microsoft. It's become a favorite among developers for its extensive features and support for numerous programming languages.

Why Install Visual Studio Code?

Before we jump into the installation process, let's briefly discuss why you might want to install VS Code:

  • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
  • Built-in Git integration
  • Extensive marketplace with thousands of extensions
  • Intelligent code completion and debugging tools
  • Customizable interface to suit your workflow

Installation Process

We'll break down the installation into three simple steps:

  1. Install gdebi, a tool for installing .deb packages
  2. Download Visual Studio Code
  3. Install and launch VS Code

Step 1: Install gdebi

First, we'll install gdebi, which will make it easier to install .deb files. Open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install gdebi

After installing gdebi, you'll be able to double-click on .deb files to install them, making the process much more user-friendly.

Step 2: Download Visual Studio Code

Next, head over to the official Visual Studio Code download page:

https://code.visualstudio.com/Download

Choose the .deb package for Ubuntu/Debian systems.

Step 3: Install and Launch

Once the download is complete, navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click the .deb file. Gdebi will open, and you can click "Install Package" to begin the installation process. After installation, you can launch VS Code from your applications menu or by typing 'code' in the terminal.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips to enhance your VS Code experience:

  • Explore the Extensions Marketplace to find tools that suit your development needs
  • Customize your settings and keybindings for a personalized experience
  • Use the integrated terminal for a seamless development workflow
  • Take advantage of the built-in version control features for efficient project management

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during installation, try these steps:

  • Ensure your system is up to date with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • Check for any conflicting packages or dependencies
  • If gdebi fails, you can try installing directly from the terminal with sudo dpkg -i <path-to-deb-file>

We hope this guide helps you get started with Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 24.04. Happy coding!

For a more detailed walkthrough with background music, check out our video tutorial above.

Curious about Chromebooks? Have a look at our Chromebook Comparison Chart!

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